Glasshouse Journal

Hair Trend: Headbands

From oversized clips to multi coloured scrunchies, the resurgence in 90s hair accessories is still going strong and we’re now turning our attention to headbands. The easy accessory has been made famous a number of times through style icons such as Bridgette Bardot and Audrey Hepburn and has most recently been spotted all over the recent SS19 catwalks from minimal, ballet inspired bands at Dior to oversized embellished designs at Prada.

Headbands needn’t be reserved exclusively for your nightly face wash. Although their practical nature is part of the appeal, headbands can look self-assured without appearing try-hard. Unlike a pair of kitsch hair clips, the headband makes an unfussy statement that is smart, simple and straightforward - forgoing any ‘causal’ connotations you may have about the humble hair piece.

Image: Sarah Victoria Bates for Glasshouse Journal

You may associate headbands with childhood or with the titular character in Lewis Carols’ Alice in Wonderland, but we feel that the simple headband can strike a perfect balance between playful and chic, not to mention it’s a great option for lazy hair days when styling is just too much effort.

If hair accessories are relatively new for you, we recommend grabbing a plain coloured band in a colour that contrasts with your hair e.g. a black band for blondes or a neutral band for dark hair. You can wear headbands in many different ways but for a classic look place the band or tie the ribbon so that it sits about an inch behind your hairline and tucks your whole head of hair behind your ears.

Image: Sarah Victoria Bates for Glasshouse Journal

If you’re willing to step out of the boat a little, a headband can be a great way to add a pop of colour to a plain outfit with a bold pattern or a daring shade of green or pink. Try tying a ribbon in a large bow at the top of the head or wearing the headband around the head as opposed to over the top for a more 70s look.

When it comes to sourcing your perfect head accessory, with sustainability in mind we recommend avoiding cheap plastic options that can break easily. Instead opt for something more high quality or for something made from fabric.

Our Anti-Waste Accessories collaboration with linen-wear brand Bug Clothing saw us create a range of headbands, scrunchies and ribbons made from headstock fabric. Timeless and designed to last, we like to think these hair accessories are the antithesis to the cheap, throwaway connotation we might have had with headbands in the past. Natural fabrics make them easy and comfortable to wear, avoiding any awkward tussles with an uncomfortable headband.

For both the minimalist and the maximalist, the grown-up’s headband is a great way to add a little extra to your outfit with a touch of 90s nostalgia.